Voter registration in the United States follows specific rules for each state and territory. You can take the following steps:
Check if your voter registration is up-to-date. Ensure you’re registered with your correct legal name and address. Many states also require you to register with a political party to vote in primary elections.
Update your address on your voter registration. You must update your voter registration after a change of address, whether you move within the state or out of state. If you move out of state, register with the state you moved to. Submit your change before your state’s registration deadline, which can be as early as 30 days before Election Day.
Change your name on your voter registration. You need to update your voter registration with your state or territory after a legal name change. Submit your change before your state’s registration deadline. Your state’s registration deadline can be as early as 30 days before Election Day for a local, state, or national election. Your state may also require you to provide an updated driver’s license or identification card when you register.
Change your political party affiliation. When you register to vote, some states and territories may ask about your political party. In states and territories with closed primary elections, you can only vote in your party’s primary. In general elections, you can vote for any candidate regardless of your political party.
Find the voter registration deadline. There is no national voter registration deadline. In some states, the last day to register is 30 days before Election Day. In other states, you can register on Election Day. Election Day refers to any election (local, state, or national).
Your voter registration card. When you register to vote or change your registration, you may be mailed a voter registration card. This card confirms that you are registered and ready to vote. You are not required to bring your voter registration card with you when you vote, but you may be required to show a form of identification.
Voting when living outside the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen living outside the United States, you can register to vote and request an absentee (mail-in) ballot by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FCPA). If you are a member of the U.S. military or a family member of military personnel, you can also use the FPCA to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. Military and overseas voters can learn more information from the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
